Prodrug forms of kinase inhibitors and their use in therapy

Abstract

The invention provides novel prodrug compounds comprising a kinase inhibitor and a reductively-activated fragmenting aromatic nitroheterocycle or aromatic nitrocarbocycle trigger, where the compound carries a positive charge. In preferred embodiments, the compounds are of Formula I: where: X is any negatively charged counterion; Ris a group of the formula —(CH)Tr, where Tr is an aromatic nitroheterocycle or aromatic nitrocarbocycle and —(CH)Tr acts as a reductively-activated fragmenting trigger; and n is an integer from 0 to 6; R, Rand Rmay each independently be selected from aliphatic or aromatic groups of a tertiary amine kinase inhibitor (R)(R)(R)N, or two of R, R, and Rmay form an aliphatic or aromatic heterocyclic amine ring of a kinase inhibitor, or one of R, Rand Rmay be absent and two of R, Rand Rform an aromatic heterocyclic amine ring of a kinase inhibitor. The compounds of the invention are useful in treating proliferative diseases such as cancer.